American: Swankier airport lounges are on the way
American Airlines announced a substantial overhaul for its airport lounges on Tuesday.
The carrier revealed plans to redesign to its existing premium “Flagship Lounges” and expand them to more of its hub airports. American also said it would add its standard Admirals Clubs lounges to two busy airports that don’t currently have one.
Also coming to American’s lounges: “Flagship Dining,” which the airline describes as “a one-of-a-kind, pre-flight meal with full tableside service and elegant dining.” It will be offered before flights “at select gateway hubs," available to first-class customers on flights that have three classes of service (first, business and coach).
AMERICAN AIRLINES: Reimagining our lounges
American’s lounge initiative comes amid other "product" investments following the company's merger with US Airways.
“We’re investing more than $3 billion in every aspect of the travel experience – whether that’s in our airports or in the cabins of the most modern fleet in the industry - because we want customers to choose American Airlines every time they fly,” Andrew Nocella, American’s Chief Marketing Officer, says in a statement.
US Airways' final flight closes curtain on another major airline
Among the details in American’s announcement:
Flagship Lounges
American says it will redesign its premium Flagship Lounges, premium lounges that are open to first-class fliers traveling on flights with three classes of service. The lounges are also open on international itineraries for American frequent fliers who’ve attained Executive Platinum status, the carrier’s highest published tier.
American says the overhaul will begin this spring, promising that the effort will bring “more expansive spaces, more modern furnishings and access for more premium customers.” American’s Flagship Lounges at New York JFK, Los Angeles and Chicago O’Hare will get the update. Additionally, American will add Flagship Lounges to three of its hubs that currently don’t have the premium lounge: Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and Philadelphia.
American completes 'Heritage' plane rollout with TWA, AirCal paint jobs
Admirals Club Lounges
American already had been in the midst of updating its Admirals Clubs. Now, the carrier says it will add its standard lounge to two more airports: Houston Bush Intercontinental and Orlando.
As for the ongoing effort to update its lounges, American says the first remodeled international and domestic lounges are now open, respectively, at Brazil’s São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and at Terminal A in Phoenix.
American says New York JFK, Los Angeles and Miami will be the next to complete the upgrades, “the first of more than 15 future lounges scheduled for renovations over the next few years.”
Flagship Dining
American says its Flagship Dining program will launch in “early 2017," debuting at New York JFK.
American says customers who have access to its Flagship Lounge there will be treated to “complimentary, full-service tableside dining with seasonal menus (prior to their flights). Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients will be curated by a New York-based Executive Chef."
American says the program will subsequently be “introduced at gateway cities that deliver American’s award-winning international three-class service on its Boeing 777-300ER – DFW, LAX and MIA.”
American adds that “while Flagship Dining will provide the same personalized service, each location will reflect the personal flavors of its own Executive Chef.”
“Flagship Dining is something no other U.S. carrier has offered, and this separates us from the competition. It makes American a clear choice for the customers who expect a refined, personal touch when they fly.”
TWITTER: You can follow me at twitter.com/TodayInTheSky
IN PHOTOS: Scenes from the last-ever flight on US Airways
IN PHOTOS: American Airlines honors past with 'heritage plane' paint schemes
